Besides, covering-up of short positions by speculators at prevailing levels, also influenced gold futures prices here.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, metal for delivery in August gained Rs 375, or 1.44%, to trade higher at Rs 26,478 per 10 gm in a turnover of 679 lots.

Similarly, the metal for delivery in far-month October contracts spurted by Rs 370, or 1.40%, to Rs 26,596 per 10 gm, clocking a business volume of 34 lots.

Analysts attributed rise in gold prices at futures trade to the precious metal's recovery in the global markets where it climbed to over two-week high after US Federal Reserve chariman said its huge stimulus programme would stay in place for some time.

Further, covering-up of short positions by speculators also influenced prices, they said.

Globally, gold rose 2.4% to $1,289.80 an ounce in Singapore on Thursday, the highest level since June 25.